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Special Emphasis Programs

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APHIS implements Special Emphasis Programs through the National Civil Rights and

Diversity Advisory Committee (NCRDAC) and the Civil Rights and Diversity Advisory

Committees (CRDAC). 

NCRDAC serves as a strategic advisor to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion,

providing management officials and employees with a vehicle that enhances equal
opportunity employment and program delivery issues. NCRDAC supports a diverse,

proficient, and skilled workforce; equality of program delivery; and the civil rights of

employees. NCRDAC also establishes lines of communication between employees

and management through views on civil rights issues. All APHIS programs have a

CRDAC.

Special Emphasis Programs

Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) were established to assist agencies in assuring

that equal opportunity is present in all aspects of employment and that proper

action is being taken to identify and eliminate barriers for equal employment and

program delivery activities.

The purpose is to provide guidance and direction on the establishment and

administration of SEPs throughout the Department of Agriculture. SEPs address the

unique concerns of the following individuals: African Americans; American

Indians/Alaska Natives; Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders; persons with disabilities;

Veterans; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals; Hispanic individuals;

and women in achieving diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in employment

activities.

Overall direction, implementation, and administration of the SEPs

Ensuring that human and financial resources are available for results-oriented

SEPs

Ensuring clear performance requirements establish the role, responsibilities,

and participation required of managers and supervisors in support of SEP

efforts

Commitment to and visible support of SEPs

The Deputy Administrator, Regional Directors, and Division Directors may appoint

any employee to serve as a collateral duty Special Emphasis Program Manager

(SEPM) and Diversity Liaison. There is no grade or occupational series requirement

for the position. Employees should be appointed without regard to race, gender,

age, color, national origin, religion or disability. Collateral duty appointments allow

employees to spend up to 20% of their official duty time implementing the goals and

objectives of the assigned program.
NCRDAC serves as a strategic advisor to ODI in providing management officials and

employees with a vehicle that enhances equal employment opportunities and

program delivery issues. Each APHIS program designates one HQ member to serve

on the NCRDAC for a duration of two years (PPQ and VS will also have field

representatives). NCRDAC supports a diverse, proficient, and skilled workforce;

equality of program delivery; and the civil rights of employees. NCRDAC also

establishes lines of communication between employees and management to share

information related to civil rights and diversity matters.

Civil Rights Diversity Advisory Committee

Program Chairperson

CRDAC chairpersons are program leaders. They serve as the primary point of

contact for all committee activities. Chairpersons work with NCRDAC members and

recommend training or programs for their program unit that will enhance awareness

of Special Emphasis Programs. They serve as a resource in the workplace and in the

community for information on hiring opportunities and outreach sources.

Chairpersons provide technical assistance to committees planning special

observances and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and programs regarding

achievement of SEP objectives.

Contact Us

USDA-APHIS Washington, DC

Office of Civil Rights Diversity and Inclusion

Phone: 202-799-7020

Fax: 202-720-2365

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 1642-South Bldg.

Washington, DC 20250
USDA-APHIS Riverdale, MD

Office of Civil Rights Diversity and Inclusion

Phone: 301-851-4200 

Fax: 301-734-3698

4700 River Road, Unit 92

Riverdale, MD 20737